The Best of Pentax DSLR Cameras – 2017/2018

Pentax is a Japanese company, which has been in the Optic lens, Camera space since the ‘50s. It has become a name to reckon with over time. Many photographers swear by the advanced technology that these cameras offer.

We look at the best of Pentax DSLR cameras and review each of them. It is not an easy task to choose the right camera. It has become a crowded space and the technical specifications are so minute. They are designed to suit various needs of the users.

What are the features built into the best of Pentax DSLR Cameras?

We first understand the naunces of the top 3 cameras from Pentax and then conduct a suitability analysis. Below is a table depicting the features –

This is the first of Pentax DSLR cameras which offers a full frame sensor with stabilisation of image. It is a magnesium alloy construction, thus extensively sealed. Thus making it weather proof. It is a travel friendly camera design. It is counted among the high-end cameras, but it is of a reasonable price.

The sensor shift modes are pretty impressive. It includes Horizon Correction, the sensor automatically rotates if camera is slightly off levels. The astro tracer and GPS can be used while clicking pictures of stars / space. It helps cancelling out the Earth’s rotation movement.

The camera has introduced a new AF module called SAFOX 12 which has 33fps, with a majority of 25fps being cross-type. This helps improve higher precision. The sensor metering enables scene analysis, subject detection to yield better focus.

Pros

Good Image quality

Travel friendly design

Quick Autofocus

Low light performance is decent

Reasonable price

Cons

No built in flash

Reasonably slow startup

Below average battery life

Conclusion

It is the first full frame sensor from Pentax DSLR Cameras. This is a good weather proof camera. The price is reasonable, which makes it a good value for money. It has garnered positive reviews for it’s clever sensor shift technology. There is scope for improvement in the image quality department.

This Pentax DSLR Camera comes with an improved image stabilization system. It has a new Pixel shift resolution which reduces false color. Both these feature helps shoot sharp images. It retains the 24 MP sensor, 27 point AF system from it’s predecessor.

The new sensor shift IS promises 4.5 stops of shake reduction. This improves the quality of image in moving shots. It has the Horizon correction feature, built in GPS and gyro-sensor which improves auto focus. The built-in flash is missing in this model.

The anti-aliasing mechanism is unique, it can be turned on or off, providing for high resolution abilities. It has a Prime III processor, which works to enable high resolution imaging with lower lighting. It’s performance in low light is pretty impressive. However, the JPEG processing is quite flawed. The shutter speed is also quite low.

Pros

Dynamic detailing and range for better image quality

Sensor Shift improves image resolution in moving images

Improved Auto Focus

Good OIS (optical image stabilisation)

Cons

No built in flash

Slightly heavy design

JPEG processing is flawed

Conclusion

If one is fond of capturing the night sky, then look no further. Despite it’s shoddy JPEG processing, the image stabilisation feature is unique. It is a good camera for capturing moving shots. The design is slightly bulky, however, it offers the resilience of high end cameras. Despite it’s bulkiness, it is an ideal outdoor camera, with it’s weather proof and dust proof feature. It is definitely one of the better viewfinders at the price range.

This is an extremely stylish, durable and compact camera. It has a weather resistant design making it a travel friendly. It is capable of shooting in a range of conditions, it is comfortable upto ISO 51,200.

The sensor-shift feature reduces shaking of image, thereby providing sharp image quality. This camera model provides 30fps in case of full HD video 1080p shooting. It also features Advanced HDR and Clarity Enhancement modes. This provides scope for improvement of images shot. It is a reasonably priced camera for the features it offers.

This is considered an excellent candidate for street photography and sports photography. However, it may not be a great camera for landscape and portrait shooting. It has a KAF2 lens mount, it also have the backward compatibility with all K mount lenses. It has the anti – aliasing feature which improves the sharpness in the images captured.

Pros

Good value for money

In-built flash

Weather proof and dust proof

Cons

Low battery life

Slightly bulky

No touch screen

Conclusion

This is another Pentax DSLR Camera which is good for shooting the night sky. It has advance features which help improving the images captured. The JPEG processing is better than it’s counterparts. This DSLR Camera provides a shooting life of 410 shots as per CIPA standards. This is considerably lower than 888 shots provided by cameras with similar features from competitors.